| Title | : | Raised?: Finding Jesus by Doubting the Resurrection |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 103 |
| Publication | : | First published February 25, 2014 |
Raised?: Finding Jesus by Doubting the Resurrection Reviews
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It is true that without the resurrection, there is no Christianity. The resurrection is what makes Christianity worth believing. It is not those that follow Christ that make Christianity worth believing, it is the resurrection. You may have doubts about the resurrection and many people do and did. Even Jesus’ disciples struggled with the resurrection. The doubts that you may have can be the catalyst of discovering who Jesus is and how the resurrection changes everything.
There are some great insights and a little history of the culture. For example, the Greeks believed that death was an escape from the body not a renewal like the resurrection is. Today Eastern religions hold the same belief. The Jews believed in the resurrection and believe in the renewal of the body. The renewal of the body would come at the end of history where judgment and salvation would come from God the creator of all of life. For the Christian and the Jewish, the resurrection affirms the value of the human body and of life. Resurrection affirms God’s design and redemption.
The resurrection brings hope. In understanding from a biblical view point, you see how the resurrection has shaped history and continue even today. The hope for the future of the world that was once set on Adam is was laid on Abraham and his family. (kindle location 497) Abraham’s family was God’s chosen people to be an instrument of blessing to the world. They were to reflect the image and character of God. Just like Adam, the Israelites failed to reflect God. And just like Adam, was exiled out of the Garden just as the Jewish was exiled from the land that they were given. The history of Israel is a retelling of the history of Adam. You realize the retelling of history continues even today. The way of Adam and Israel was choosing death instead of life in the reign of the Lord. History repeats itself. The resurrection gives us hope to live in joyful gratitude for God’s grace.
By stepping up to the resurrection, our faith is now placed in hope and glory. The resurrection is victory over sin and death. It is renewal of body, spirit and mind.
The resurrection gives us faith not live morally but live grace filled lives. We learn to submit to Jesus and live life under his authority because of the power of the resurrection.
I was greatly benefited from learning the power of the resurrection and how the resurrection changes everything.
A special thank you Zondervan , and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review -
Very helpful invitation to believe in the resurrection.
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A special thank you to Zondervan and NetGalley for a complimentary reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
RAISED? Finding Jesus by Doubting the Resurrection by Jonathan K. Dodson, Brad Watson addresses some thought provoking questions and doubts with insights; providing a deeper understanding of Jesus, and why he rose and what it means for each of us.
The book proposes many questions: Was Jesus really raised from the dead, and if so, what effect has this had on history and on individuals? These are the questions, authors, Dodson and Watson, address in “Raised?”
An excellent read for both the believer and the non-believer, desiring answers and more information centered on the resurrection, offering hope for the future.
Dodson and Watson tackles doubt, cynicism by providing practical stories of the resurrection life, along with personal stories. Written with compassion and honesty for a wide range of readers, especially the new Christian or non-believer.
The resurrection in itself is glorious victory over sin and death and one of renewal of our body, spirit, and mind. As reiterated, we need to doubt to believe. If you never doubt, you never seek. When you seek, you find answers. Therefore, doubt leads you to the seeking of answers.
The book is nicely organized into four sections:
• Doubting the Resurrection
• How the Resurrection Reshapes History
• Stepping into the Resurrection
• How the Resurrection Changes Everything.
Listen to the Video offering a nice overview of the book.
From historical information, facts, review, to arguments, the fall, redemption, and a transformation through death and resurrection of Jesus--From faith, sin, and a new identity in Christ.
A short uplifting book well-written, informative, filled with scripture, and hope. -
Great piece of work exploring the resurrection
This little book helps show that Jesus is ok with those that doubt him and shows how faith comes about after that. Read this when Preparing for Easter it was very helpful. -
Great resource on the resurrection. Really helpful in understanding how to hear and answer doubts. This should be in every church library to help equip God’s people.
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There has been no greater claim in the history of man than the claims made in regards to Jesus of Nazareth.
*Born of a virgin.
*Eternal existence.
*Incarnate deity.
*Sinless life.
*Vicarious, substitutionary, sacrificial death.
*Physically rising from the dead on the third day and ascending bodily into heaven to sit enthroned next to His Father.
*Being the only way to eternal peace and joy in the presence of Eternal God.
These are some pretty serious claims that no thinking person can simply dismiss. Whether resulting in affirmation or denial, time and thought must be devoted to this son of a carpenter for who even our time has been measured against. These claims (whether you presuppose to be made by Him or by later followers) must be investigated because they are, if true, world changing.
One of the central claims of the Christian faith is the claim of His bodily resurrection. This tenet of Christianity is one by which the entire Kingdom stands or falls. All the other claims are shown to have merit based on this “sign of Jonah” (Luke 11:29-30). It is so central that the Apostle Paul claims that if it is untrue then Christians are “the most to be pitied” because our “faith is futile” (1 Cor 15)
The resurrection of Jesus is paramount. “At the center of historic Christian faith is belief that a Jewish man named Jesus was ‘raised’.“ It is inseparable from Biblical Christianity and without it Christianity is a sham that offers no hope, no peace, and nothing of any distinguishable value.
This is the reason that resources like Zondervan’s new release, Raised: Doubting the Ressurrection, is a welcome addition to any library. Dodson and Watson both have pastor’s hearts and are capable writers. They deal with this topic with the earnestly and honesty that is necessary for both believer and skeptic alike to benefit greatly from this work.
Why does a believer need this book? Because it is clear that Christians are not free from reality of doubt. Especially in regards to something as great and as based on sightless faith as is the Resurrection. Anyone who genuinely investigates and seeks and searches and wonders and honestly engages differing positions will be struck head on by doubt more often than is desired. If someone is not attacked by doubt from time to time then it is hard to imagine that he or she is properly interacting with truth claims that are contrary.
So what is one to do when, in this instance, filled with doubt about the truth of the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth? The answer is not, “Dig your head as deep in the sand as possible until the evil doubt monster flees from your unbathed ostrich stench.” The answer is to investigate your doubt throroughly and honestly knowing that truth is a) what you desire and b)destined to win in the end.
Why do skeptics need a book like this? Because, if it ends up that the claims of Jesus of Nazareth were validated by the “sign of Jonah, His being raised from the dead, acceptance or rejection of this truth has consequences that are eternal. There is nothing that is of greater importance that this truth claim. Is there a God? Is this Jesus the Eternal and sinless Son of God? Is He the only way for eternal peace with the Sovereign Creator? It is imperative that all, even agnostics and skeptics are certain and convinced about something of such great importance.
Raised? Doubting the Resurrection is a resource that will benefit both believer and skeptic alike. The authors explore doubts and proofs, the prominence and preeminence of the resurrection within the narrative of Scripture and the unfolding of history, the resurrection as proof of Jesus’ power to resurrect and transform, the power to give life and transform lives, and how the resurrection creates new authority, new identity and a new mission for those who are in the resurrection, united with the Resurrected One.
There is nothing new in this book. The topics covered and the evidence given are not groundbreaking scholarship. What this book is; however, is a beautiful, simple, clear, fresh, encouraging reminder of a life-changing, world-changing, truth. A truth that is too astounding, too amazing, too absurd to not be investigated and embraced. My encouragement is to come and read. He is risen! He is risen, indeed!! And that changes everything.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review. -
In speaking about the resurrection of Jesus, Watson and Dodson address an event which, if true, changes "everything". The authors normalize the human propensity to doubt something so extraordinary. They then gently but compellingly articulate the plausibility of Jesus' resurrection.
This book is refreshing not only because of its content but because of its tone. It is persuasive without being argumentative. It is concise without lacking in substance. It addresses doubt and skepticism without being dismissive, condemning, or condescending. It is friendly without skirting the issues.
This, coupled with its concise size (only 100 pages) make Raised? an ideal gift for someone outside the Christian faith. I couldn't think of a more appropriate gift for churches to give away this Easter.
However, Raised? is also sheer dynamite for those who already trust in the resurrection. The last half of the book explains the way in which Jesus' resurrection re-orders our lives. Watson and Dodson then lay a clear pathway for how to move forward in following Jesus in the power of the Spirit. These chapters are a beautiful framing of the gospel of Jesus.
Raised? now tops my list as a give-away for someone curious about Jesus and Christianity's most unbelievable claim.
*I was provided a review copy of this book from the publisher. -
A Primer on the Resurrection
This short little primer on the resurrection, makes a case for the plausibility of the resurrection, as well as its place in God's story, its power to give life, and what it produces in the lives of those who believe. It's a quick, but worthwhile read. For the doubting believer, this book offers encouragement and compassion. Doubt, in and of itself, is not a sin and can be the very thing that leads one to an even deeper faith. For the doubting nonbeliever, the authors present a case for believing the resurrection, as well as ask questions that are worth answering honestly. I imagine this book would be a good challenge for all readers who come ready to be intellectually honest with their doubts, the Bible's answers to those doubts, and the implications for their lives. Recommended. -
This is a good book for those doubting the resurrection of Jesus. It is not a technical book. There are no extensive or precise arguments. it is more like the authors are talking to you over a cup of coffee. They do think that doubting is good. That helps you create definite reason to believe in it or to not believe. They reason out the intellectual plausibility of the resurrection, look at its effect in history, the benefits of believing in it and what would be lost if you do not. This is a short and unassuming book. See my full review at
http://bit.ly/1gds4sV.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review. -
Great book for believers and skeptics alike who want to explore the audacious claims of a resurrected messiah. The book is a quick read and more conversational in tone than academic; however, there in lies the strength of its writing. Don't let the pastoral tone fool you though, Dodson and Watson make sure to include intellectually stimulating thought and historical accounts to help engage seekers and doubters alike.
Overall, it's a solid book worth your time no matter where you fall on the spectrum of belief and should be shared with others. -
Very good book. Clear, scriptural explanation of the basis and critical importance of understanding and believing in the resurrection of Christ. Also a good discussion of what it looks like to truly live as a Christian in the power of the resurrection. Challenging...
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This is a great little book for skeptics and believers alike. It gives a clear picture of what faith in a resurrected means, and what it looks like lived out. A great resource to give away to those with doubts about the central yet audacious claim of Christianity.
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I read this book on Easter last year and couldn't have those spent 2 hours better; this book is to-the-point, approachable by anyone with any level of faith, and incredibly insightful.
